This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Chester Nez, last of the World War II Navajo 'Code Talkers,' dies at 93
This Nov. 29, 2009 photo shows Chester Nez talking about his time as a Navajo Code Talker in World War II from his home in Albuquerque, N.M.
(
Felicia Fonseca/AP
)
This Nov. 29, 2009 photo shows Navajo Code Talker Chester Nez looking at at an old photo with his grandson peering over his shoulder at their Albuquerque N.M.
(
Felicia Fonseca/AP
)
The last of the 29 Navajo "Code Talkers" — who developed an unbreakable code that helped win World War II — has died.
Chester Nez, of Albuquerque, N.M., died Wednesday morning of kidney failure. He was 93.
Judy Avila, who helped Nez write his memoirs, says Nez's death came unexpectedly.
Nez was in the 10th grade when a Marine recruiter went to the Navajo reservation looking for young men who were fluent in Navajo and English. Nez told the Associated Press in a 2010 interview that he kept the decision to enlist a secret from his family and lied about his age.
Nez became part of the 382nd Platoon tasked with developing a code that stumped the Japanese. Hundreds of Navajos followed in the footsteps of the original Code Talkers.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
